DIC and Cisco sign Memorandum of Understanding

Dubai Internet City (DIC) has chosen Cisco Systems as its preferred partner for its network infrastructure. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will see Cisco provide next generation telecommunication and network services.

Dubai Internet City (DIC) has chosen Cisco Systems as its preferred partner to provide the network infrastructure for the free zone. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will see Cisco provide next generation telecommunication and network services, to enhance DIC’s existing IP-based architecture.

The DIC and Dubai Media City (DMC) free zone has already deployed a converged metropolitan Ethernet solution from Cisco in its existing 21 buildings; however, the MoU will solidify and extend the partnership.

Additionally, Cisco will provide training for DIC’s engineers to ensure that they reach global certification standards and are up-to-date with the latest technologies, such as wireless networking and IP-VPNs (virtual private networks) and unified messaging.

“Internet business is a global issue and we aim to make our facilities a hub for e-business innovations in the UAE initially, and across wider areas of the region in the future,” says Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, chief executive officer, Dubai Internet City.

“In signing this agreement with Cisco we have put in place the foundation to rapidly and seamlessly grow our business in a variety of directions in the region. Cisco will now be a key partner in the development of Dubai Internet City, providing not only the critical infrastructure, but also knowledge transfer, consultancy and strategic advice,” he adds.

“Dubai Internet City is truly setting the pace for the provision of IP telecommunications services,” comments Reza Mahdavi, Cisco’s vice president for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (EEMEA). “Their roadmap for the roll-out of new technology shows that they will continue to provide a strong case study for other global organisations to follow. It is an impressive venture and we look forward to supporting Dubai Internet City’s management team as they move forward in their quest for excellence.”

DIC’s MoU with Cisco also comes just weeks after it signed similar 10 year MoU with Avaya, who are responsible for providing the passive cabling infrastructure for the free zone.